Delmar Loop Trolley Construction Set to Begin in March

Delmar Loop Trolley Construction Set to Begin in March

Article excerpt

After years of delays, the $43 million Loop Trolley is back on
track. With design changes made and funding questions resolved,
construction of the trolley is set to begin in March.

Project officials said Tuesday work will start at the western end
of the 2-mile streetcar line that will run between the Delmar Loop
and Forest Park. Loop businessman Joe Edwards began promoting the
project more than a decade ago.

Officials said the project is scheduled for completion in mid-
2016 and, after test runs, it will begin service late next year.

First on the construction list involves work aimed at improving
car traffic: rebuilding the existing roundabout near the Lion Gates
at Trinity Avenue and Delmar Boulevard. Chris Poehler, administrator
of the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District, said the
roundabout is designed to increase car safety, improve traffic flow
and provide an attractive Loop entrance.

Track work is expected to start in late May, beginning on Delmar
near Kingsland Avenue. Vehicular traffic will continue during
construction.

Poehler, an engineer and transit planner on loan to the Loop
Trolley from the Metro transit agency, said the project has overcome
many obstacles.

"It's been a long time coming," he said. "It's taken a
significant effort by a lot of people.

"We're very excited we're going to be starting this project soon
and bringing a great amenity to the people of this region."

Skeptics of the project have said the streetcar would clog
vehicular traffic on Delmar and attract few riders. Some added that
the area's two MetroLink stations already provide adequate public
transit.

Mainly to cut costs, the Loop Trolley has undergone some design
changes.

The route between the University City Public Library and the
History Museum in Forest Park is a bit shorter than first
envisioned. The line will have 10 stops along Delmar and DeBaliviere
Avenue.

Streetcars able to operate on both battery power and overhead
electric lines were dropped in favor of cars powered by overhead
lines.

In addition, instead of having a turnaround at both ends of the
line, streetcars will travel to one terminus, then reverse
direction. …